The US and India have signed a new 10-year US-India Defence Framework, marking the strongest phase in military cooperation and strategic ties.
US-India Defence Framework: 10-Year Pact Strengthens Strategic Ties
The US-India Defence Framework has entered a new era as the United States and India signed a landmark 10-year defence agreement, reinforcing what Washington calls “the strongest-ever military ties” with New Delhi. The deal, announced by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscores that trade disputes have not derailed the broader strategic cooperation between the two democracies.
Hegseth emphasized that the US-India Defence Framework will serve as a cornerstone of regional stability, enhancing intelligence sharing, joint operations, and defence technology collaboration. “This is a commitment to peace, deterrence, and the shared vision of a free Indo-Pacific,” he said after meeting Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kuala Lumpur.
I just met with @rajnathsingh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defense Framework.
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) October 31, 2025
This advances our defense partnership, a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence.
We're enhancing our coordination, info sharing, and tech cooperation. Our defense ties have never been… pic.twitter.com/hPmkZdMDv2
US and India Deepen Military Partnership under New Defence Framework
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the US-India Defence Framework as the beginning of “a new chapter” in bilateral relations. He noted that under this long-term arrangement, both nations aim to expand cooperation across space, cybersecurity, and advanced defence technologies.
“The new framework is not just about defence; it’s about building trust, innovation, and resilience in the Indo-Pacific,” Singh stated, expressing optimism that the next decade will see the partnership evolve into a model for global security cooperation.
The high-level meeting between Singh and Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur reflects Washington’s continued emphasis on India as a strategic partner in counterbalancing China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
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US-India Defence Framework and the Indo-Pacific Strategy
The US-India Defence Framework fits squarely within Washington’s larger Indo-Pacific strategy. Hegseth, during his visit, also held talks with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, expressing concern over Beijing’s increasing military activity around Taiwan and the South China Sea.
India’s growing defence relationship with the US is seen as pivotal for maintaining regional balance and deterring coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement ensures expanded cooperation in maritime surveillance, joint exercises, and critical technology exchange — areas central to both nations’ security objectives.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Kuala Lumpur to discuss bilateral relations and regional security. Their talks highlighted how defence and diplomacy now move hand-in-hand within the broader US-India Defence Framework.
Trade Tensions Won’t Derail Defence Partnership
Despite ongoing trade negotiations, both sides continue to view defence collaboration as a separate, strategic pillar of their relationship. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently stressed that India will not rush into any trade deal or accept conditions that could limit its economic flexibility.
He explained that India’s trade approach — like its defence policy — is based on long-term trust and sustainable cooperation. “Trade deals are not just about tariffs or market access; they are about relationships and trust,” Goyal noted, echoing the broader principles behind the US-India Defence Framework.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed that trade talks between India and the US are “progressing well,” adding that both sides are “converging on most issues,” reflecting growing mutual understanding that mirrors progress on the defence front.
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Why the 10-Year US-India Defence Framework Matters Globally
Experts view the new US-India Defence Framework as a critical milestone in 21st-century geopolitics. The agreement institutionalizes regular dialogues, intelligence exchanges, and co-development of defence technologies — including artificial intelligence, drones, and space security.
For Washington, it cements India’s role as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific deterrence architecture. For New Delhi, it ensures access to advanced US defence systems and deeper cooperation with NATO-aligned partners.
Beyond military significance, the framework is a symbol of diplomatic trust between the world’s two largest democracies. It signals that despite global uncertainties, the US-India partnership is anchored in shared values — democracy, transparency, and mutual respect.
Conclusion: The Future of the US-India Defence Framework
As the US-India Defence Framework takes effect, it promises to redefine regional security dynamics for the next decade. The agreement goes beyond military ties, embodying a strategic vision rooted in long-term cooperation and mutual respect.
By balancing defence collaboration with cautious trade diplomacy, both nations are crafting a durable model of global partnership — one that reinforces the message that peace, technology, and trust can coexist even in an era of geopolitical competition.